“Apology Is Not Enough—Compensate Gen Z Protest Victims,” Raila Tells Ruto

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“Apology Is Not Enough—Compensate Gen Z Protest Victims,” Raila Tells Ruto

Raila Odinga has urged President William Ruto to back his apology to Kenyan youth with tangible action—specifically, compensation for victims of last year’s Finance Bill protests.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader made the remarks during Madaraka Day celebrations held at Raila Odinga Stadium in Kisumu on Sunday, June 1. Speaking to a crowd gathered to mark Kenya’s 61st year of self-rule, Odinga acknowledged the importance of apology in national healing but emphasized that words alone were not enough.

“Last year, the Gen Zs were on the streets. I saw that during the prayer breakfast recently this week, there were apologies that were being made by the Speaker and you [President Ruto], which is wonderful as a first step to reconciliation,” Odinga said.

He added, “But then there is the issue of people who were injured and people who died during that time. I want to say today that we should do compensation to families of those who died and those who were injured, so that we can have closure in this chapter of our national history. We want Kenya to live in peace and unity.”

Odinga’s remarks came just days after President Ruto issued a public apology to Kenyan youth during the National Prayer Breakfast held at Safari Park on Wednesday, May 28. The president’s comments were seen as an attempt to rebuild trust following the widespread protests in 2024, largely driven by young Kenyans opposing the controversial Finance Bill.

“To our children, if there is any misstep, we apologise. We want to build a relationship that will make our country great,” Ruto stated during the breakfast event, which was attended by lawmakers, religious leaders, and civil society representatives.

The Finance Bill 2024, which proposed a range of new taxes and levies, sparked nationwide demonstrations last year. The protests, led largely by Gen Z and millennial activists, were marked by violent clashes between demonstrators and police, resulting in multiple injuries and reported fatalities.

While Ruto’s apology was welcomed by some as a step toward reconciliation, it has drawn criticism from sections of the opposition and civil society who question its sincerity.

Among the critics was former Attorney General and current Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi. Speaking on the sidelines of the Madaraka Day events, Muturi dismissed the apology as hollow in the face of unresolved grievances, including allegations of enforced disappearances.

Muturi made a personal revelation, alleging that his own child had been abducted during the protests and was only released due to his close relationship with President Ruto.

“That apology means little when serious violations went unaddressed. Were it not for my proximity to the president, I doubt my child would have been released,” he said, adding that many families were still waiting for justice.

Human rights organizations have also weighed in, with several groups calling for an independent inquiry into the government’s handling of the protests and demanding reparations for victims.

While the government has yet to respond to Raila Odinga’s call for compensation, political analysts suggest the ODM leader’s remarks may rekindle debate over accountability, transitional justice, and how the state engages with civil dissent.

As Kenya continues to grapple with its democratic growing pains, the question remains: will the government translate contrition into corrective action, or will the apology remain a symbolic gesture?

With the Finance Bill 2025 now under parliamentary scrutiny, and civic discourse on government transparency gaining momentum, pressure is likely to mount on the Ruto administration to take more substantive steps toward national healing.

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“Apology Is Not Enough—Compensate Gen Z Protest Victims,” Raila Tells Ruto